Arapçayı Ana Dili Olarak Konuşmayan Öğrencilerde Konuşma Becerilerini Geliştirmek Amacıyla "Silsiletu’l-Lisân" Serisinin Bazı Ünitelerine Rol Yapma Tekniklerinin Entegre Edilmesi: Uygulamalı Bir Çalışma Integrating Role-Playing Techniques into Some Units of the "Silsiletu’l-Lisân" To Develop Conversational Skills Among Non-Native Arabic Learners: An Applied Study

Abstract

The teaching of Arabic as a foreign language has witnessed significant progress over the past two decades. However, speaking remains a major challenge in many educational settings, particularly in Turkey, where instruction tends to be overly grammar focused. This study aims to examine the impact of integrating the “role-play” technique into selected units of the al-Lisān series—one of the most widely used Arabic language textbooks in Turkish language centers—on the development of speaking skills among learners. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and implemented role-play activities with a sample of forty preparatory-level students at the Faculty of Theology, Ankara University, during the first semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. Pre- and post-tests were administered. The results showed statistically significant differences in favor of the post-test scores, indicating the effectiveness of the technique in enhancing learners’ fluency, self-confidence, and classroom interaction. Classroom observations also revealed a notable increase in student motivation and willingness to use the language in communicative contexts. The study recommends incorporating role-play activities into the al-Lisān series and expanding their use to other language skills. It also suggests developing teacher manuals that include practical models for implementing such activities, with the goal of transforming the classroom into an interactive environment grounded in dialogue and experiential learning.